Defense attorneys visit Vortex ride crime scene

wtvd

By ABC11 Archive

RALEIGH

A Wake County judge granted defense attorneys permission for the visit last week.

The district attorney's office confirmed to ABC11 that the people at the ride were part of the defense team, which got to inspect the machine for the first time after it went haywire back in October sending five people to the hospital.

It was a night turned nightmare. The Vortex went out of control just after the ride ended -- sending people flying through the air.

Most seriously hurt was Anthony Gorham. He, his wife, and 14-year-old son were all thrown from the ride. The others are back home now, but far from healed.

"It's a nightmare she can't wake up from," said family friend Keisha Sprull.

Sprull told ABC11 that the family's medical bills are spiraling, but the family has been showered with generosity over the holiday season. A website for donations has raised over $8,000 so far.

The two men charged in the incident -- 42-year-old Tim Tutterrow, who was the ride's operator, and a manager of the company that owns the ride, 32-year-old Joshua Macaroni, are both out on bond. Both are charged with three counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon.

The state alleged last week that they conspired to make the ride look like it was working properly, and that they tampered with safety devices in the process.

An assistant district attorney, said they will likely turn the ride back over to the owners in mid-January.

When it comes to the Gorhams, we're told they're optimistic.

"The generosity, especially at this time of year, to even give that has just been amazing.